NEWS RELEASE

Novation Awards 15 New Technology Agreements in 2008

Gives members access to the latest cutting-edge, cost-effective technology

IRVING, TX; November 14, 2008 — Each year, alliance members of VHA Inc., University HealthSystem Consortium (UHC) and Provista, LLC, look to Novation, the leading health care contracting services, for cutting-edge and cost-effective new medical technology offerings. Because delivering best care possible to patients can be contingent on having the right equipment and the latest available technology, Novation works hard to evaluate new technology and bring products on contract. In 2008, Novation offered 15 new technology agreements, giving members easier access to savings and information about the latest innovative healthcare technology.

“Novation’s new medical technology program offers a win-win for members and suppliers. Members are assured that products included in our comprehensive new technology portfolio have undergone a detailed evaluation process,” said Jennifer Axline, director, innovative technology at Novation. “For suppliers, having their products included in Novation’s portfolio validates the innovative nature of a product and, consequently, increases the visibility and credibility of products with member hospitals.”

To ensure members easy and quick access to new medical technology, Novation updates its new technology catalog each spring and has implemented a rigorous evaluation process that accelerates the review process so new and improved technologies do not have to wait for a scheduled competitive bid.

The intent of the new medical technology evaluation process is to identify devices or products that are used to diagnose or treat patients and that offer incremental benefit to patient care, patient safety or health care worker safety. To facilitate the development, awareness and utilization of potentially innovative medical technology, Novation welcomes proposals from vendors who would like to make their products available through Novation contracts.

Suppliers can submit information about new technology to Novation, regardless of whether the products are available on a Novation contract. After confirming that the products have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in the United States, Novation will post the information in the Technology Forum area of its public Web site, www.novationco.com, as well as on its members-only Web sites.

For more information on submitting potentially innovative technology for consideration, suppliers may visit www.novationco.com and click on the “New Medical Technology” link on the menu bar.

Novation New Technology Agreements in 2008